So, you have a new office but it’s nothing more than an empty shell. You want to turn this concrete box into a workplace that reflects your company’s brand and inspires creativity and productivity amongst your employees. But first, you need to know how much it will cost you.

Asking “how much does an office fit out cost?” is a little bit like asking “how long is a piece of string?”.

The answer is: it depends.

There is no definitive number associated with an office fit out as there are too many factors and variables that need to be taken into consideration before crunching the numbers. Each office fit out project will be unique, defined and based on a range of aspects like size, location and active requirements. Therefore, it is nearly impossible to predict a one-size-fits-all amount that can be applied to every situation.

We may not be able to give you a solid average figure, but we can discuss the factors that will affect your office fit out costs. Before drawing up your budget, be sure to keep in mind:

What Type of Fit Out Is Needed?

The type of fit out needed will vary from office to office – and so will the price. Some projects will be purely cosmetic, while others will require a bit more work, like structural changes. Therefore, the condition of the space will have an impact on the fit out cost – the more work that needs to be done, the more expensive it will be. There are several types of fit out available to you, which include:

Shell and Core: Typically, this fit out will require the largest investment as you will be working from little more than four concrete walls. You will have to specify and install all internal finishes and services to get your office ready for occupation.

Cat-A Fit Out: A Cat-A fit out can vary amongst different developers. However, you will generally be left with a blank canvas ready for interior design. It will be a functional space that includes the essentials like lighting, raised floors, suspended ceilings, toilets, and AC as standard. All you need to do is add space planning, furniture, and a few other finishing touches.

Cat-B Fit Out: A step up from Cat-A, a Cat-B fit out will come standard with all the same things but will also include the design features that are needed for staff to inhabit the space. This could include things like internal partitions, meeting rooms, office furniture, primary finishes and décor. The space will already be fitted-out with everything in place and ready for your employees to get to work. This can reduce costs as you will only have to adapt the existing structures to suit your vision.

Turnkey Fit Out: A turnkey project means that all elements of the fit out, from design, to build, will be undertaken by one specialist contractor.

Materials & Customisation

Whether your fit out is purely cosmetic or a full turnkey project, interior design will play a sizeable role in your office fit out costs. The type of materials you want to use and the level of customization required can have a major effect on your wallet. Minimally designed, open-plan offices tend to be the cheaper option. But if your office requires things luxury finishes, specialized work areas, lots of meeting rooms or bespoke furniture, then you need to factor this into your budget as it will push up the costs.

Size of the Office Space

Any fit out cost is usually calculated on a per square foot basis. Therefore, the bigger the size of the office, the more it’s going to cost. You may think that smaller office space is the perfect solution to reduce expenses. But if your company is likely to grow each year (which we’re sure you want it to), the chances are that you are going to end up needing more space to accommodate your expanding business.

Make sure that the space you have chosen is the perfect size for your present and future. After all, an office fit out is something that you only need to do every few years – so save your future self stress and money by spending a little more on the bigger space today.

How Fast Does It Need to Be Done?

The quicker you need your project completed, the more money it is going to cost. If you need a fast turnaround with your office space fit for occupation yesterday, then you need to be prepared to spend the extra money that’s required to make it happen. These extra charges could include paying larger teams to work extra hours or choosing airfreight instead of the cheaper sea freight. Having a longer timeframe will not only reduce your cost but will allow you to discuss and manage changes with your project manager.

Are You Using a Fit Out Specialist?

Naturally, finding a capable and reliable contractor who can deliver your project on time and on a budget is the most vital step when planning your office fit out. But did you know that a good office fit out specialist can save you time and money? Using a contractor who can provide an all-in-one solution rather than using separate suppliers reduces costs and has the added benefit of getting the job done faster.

But how do you find the right office fit out specialist for you?

Contractors.Direct can connect you with quality contractors who have been thoroughly vetted to ensure that they can bring your fit out vision to life. When using our services, you will be provided with a Project Manager who will guarantee that your project is delivered on time and on budget – with not one extra penny spent.

If you'd like to find out how much your project could cost, take a look at our fit out calculator or get in touch with us here.